openSUSE Archives

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Wine 11 runs Windows apps in Linux and macOS better than ever

Wine 11.0 has been released, allowing users to run 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit Windows x86 binaries on Unix-like operating systems without distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit commands. It introduces support for the Linux kernel's NT synchronization primitive, enhancing performance for Windows binaries. Wine 11 is compatible with older kernels, though with reduced performance. It supports x86-to-Arm translation on Arm64 Linux systems through FEX-Emu and works on Apple Silicon Macs via Rosetta 2. The version simplifies command usage to a single wine command and eliminates 32-bit support libraries. Enhancements include improved clipboard handling over Wayland, full-screen mode functionality, Direct3D support, native Vulkan video decoding for H.264, and better handling of SCSI devices and game controllers. Wine 11 downloads are available for Linux and macOS, with a FreeBSD port expected. Testing on Ubuntu 25.10 under GNOME using Wayland showed positive results for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

5 Linux desktop environments that make ditching Windows 10 easy – including my top pick

KDE Plasma is a Linux desktop environment that resembles the Windows desktop and offers extensive customization options. It serves as the default desktop for distributions such as KDE Neon, Kubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora KDE. Cinnamon is the default desktop environment for Linux Mint, designed for user-friendliness and closely resembling Windows in aesthetics and functionality. It is included in distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu Cinnamon, and Fedora Cinnamon. MATE is a continuation of GNOME 2, retaining familiar Windows features while being lightweight for older hardware. It can be found in distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu MATE. Budgie features an elegant design that mimics Windows and offers a customizable experience with a notification system called Raven. It is available in distributions like Ubuntu Budgie and Fedora. Xfce resembles Windows and includes essential features, but its high level of customization may overwhelm new users. It is the default desktop for distributions like Xubuntu and MX Linux.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

Don’t toss your Windows 10 PC! Try switching to Plasma instead

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 at midnight on October 14th, ending new features, security updates, and app compatibility. In response, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 or recycle their devices. Many users are hesitant to upgrade due to financial constraints or preference for their current system. KDE has launched the KDE for Windows 10 Exiles campaign, promoting Linux as an alternative for those unable to upgrade. The campaign highlights KDE Plasma, a user-friendly interface compatible with various Linux distributions like OpenSUSE, Fedora, Manjaro, and Kubuntu. Users can install OpenSUSE with Plasma to revitalize their machines, and resources are available to help extend the life of Windows 10 PCs after support ends.

Winsage

June 5, 2025

5 Windows terminal tricks I use to improve my productivity

Windows Terminal is a productivity tool in Windows 11 that allows users to manage multiple profiles, such as Windows PowerShell and Linux distributions, within the same window. Users can rename and recolor tabs for easier navigation. The Command Palette, activated by Ctrl+Shift+P, provides a searchable interface for commands, simplifying execution without needing to memorize shortcuts. Focus mode hides the title bar and tabs for distraction-free use and can be set as the default launch option. The split pane feature enables users to display multiple profiles simultaneously, enhancing multitasking. Quake mode keeps the terminal visible at the top of the screen, minimizing distractions and allowing easy access to other applications.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Microsoft finally open-sources (most of) Windows Subsystem for Linux

Microsoft has open-sourced its Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) code, announced during the Build 2025 developer conference. WSL allows users to run Linux distributions natively on Windows, facilitating integration between Linux tools and the Windows environment. Since its introduction in 2016, WSL has become essential for developers needing Linux utilities without leaving Windows. As of the 2024 StackOverflow developer survey, 16.8% of programmers use WSL, surpassing traditional Linux distributions. The initial version, WSL 1, had performance limitations, but WSL 2 introduced a full Linux kernel in a lightweight virtual machine, improving compatibility and performance. The majority of WSL's codebase is now available on GitHub under the MIT License, including key command-line tools and Linux-side daemons. Some components remain closed source, but the move reflects a significant shift in Microsoft's open-source collaboration approach. Users can access various Linux distributions on WSL, including Fedora, Debian, openSUSE, and Ubuntu.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

How To Dual Boot Linux and Windows on any PC

The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

You can run Arch Linux in Windows now

Arch Linux has officially become available as a distribution for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This release follows earlier reports from It's Foss News in February. WSL allows users to run a complete Linux environment on Windows, and the addition of Arch Linux introduces a rolling release model. The Arch Linux WSL image is maintained by Robin Candau and is built and released monthly through a GitLab CI schedule, with systemd support included. Users are advised to run pacman -Syu after their first launch to ensure they have the latest updates. To use Arch Linux on WSL, WSL 2 must be installed. The installation process involves running commands in PowerShell: PLACEHOLDER2f45746c1eb6702b for WSL 2, followed by PLACEHOLDERcebb97c90d3dc3e4 to add Arch Linux, and then PLACEHOLDERff7af59bfa5f1c11 to boot into it. Users should also update their system with PLACEHOLDERe23a8bb0ce81dc13. WSL 2 supports running Linux GUI desktops via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), but available images are primarily command-line based.

Winsage

April 30, 2025

Arch is the latest official WSL distro

Arch Linux now has an official WSL image, announced by developer Robin Candau, making it available for installation on the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2. This new support allows users to install Arch Linux with a single command, eliminating the need for custom containers or images. The official listing includes Arch Linux among other distributions, and it has a market share of 9.68% on Steam, with a combined share of 14.74% when considering its downstream distributions. Arch Linux is popular among users who prefer a customizable experience and has gained attention in the tech community, including endorsements from notable figures like PewDiePie.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

How to save your old computer when Windows 10 hits its end of life

Linux has evolved significantly and allows for running various Windows applications and games through open-source projects like Wine, Vulkan, and Proton. It consists of multiple distributions, including Arch, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, Opensuse, Red Hat, and Ubuntu, which can overwhelm newcomers. Linux Mint is recommended for users transitioning from Windows due to its similar interface. To install Linux Mint, download the .iso file from the official website, create a bootable USB drive using Balena Etcher, and boot from the USB stick. The installation process involves selecting language, keyboard layout, formatting the disk, and creating a username and password. After installation, users can access the Mint desktop, use the Driver Manager for hardware drivers, manage software through the Software Manager, and update the system with the Update Manager. For gaming, users can install Steam from store.steampowered.com. For those seeking simplicity, Google’s Chrome OS is a Linux-based alternative that operates primarily through the Chrome browser.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

5 Docker containers you should be using on your Windows 11 PC

Linux distributions are effective for self-hosting and containerization, allowing users to run containers on Windows 11 after setting up WSL2 and Docker Desktop. Notable self-hosted services include: - Penpot: A free, SVG-based design tool that offers vector image editing and prototyping capabilities, supporting SVG, CSS, and HTML. - Nextcloud: A self-hosted cloud storage solution that ensures data privacy and offers features like file synchronization, mobile apps, and collaboration tools. - Joplin: A note-taking application with markdown support and tagging, allowing users to self-host their own server for syncing notes without privacy concerns. - LibreOffice: A free alternative to Microsoft Office that supports various file formats and can be containerized for optimal performance. - Linux Distros: Users can run full Linux operating systems in lightweight containers, with popular options including Ubuntu and Alpine Linux, and even macOS in Docker containers. Additional Docker images for enhancing home networks and workflows include WireGuard, NetAlertX, Pi-Hole, Immich, Calibre-web, Jellyfin, Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx.